PAM8016AKR - Haptic Driver for ERM/LRA | Diodes Incorporated
MPN: PAM8016AKR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.1631 | $0.16 |
| 10 | $0.1525 | $1.53 |
| 100 | $0.1404 | $14.04 |
| 500 | $0.1293 | $64.65 |
| 1,000 | $0.1198 | $119.80 |
PAM8016AKR Overview
Key features include a wide 2.8V to 5.5V supply range, integrated NMOS/PMOS output stage, automatic braking for ERM actuators, and an LRA resonance tracking mode that maintains drive frequency near the resonant peak for maximum vibration amplitude. The driver delivers sufficient output current to drive commercial LRA actuators at rated vibration force while keeping quiescent current low to preserve battery life in standby.
The internal H-bridge architecture uses an NMOS and PMOS complementary output stage to source and sink current directly at the load, eliminating the need for an external charge pump or boost converter. Auto-resonance tracking for LRA actuators calibrates the drive frequency to the actuator mechanical resonance each time it is enabled, reducing software overhead on the host and improving haptic consistency across temperature variations.
Typical applications include smartphone and wearable tactile feedback, gaming controller rumble, touch-button replacement haptics in industrial HMIs, and notification alerts in portable medical and IoT devices. Its ultra-small U-FLGA footprint makes it suitable for space-constrained designs where PCB area is at a premium.
Designers should observe the input capacitor value recommended in the manufacturer datasheet to ensure stable closed-loop operation of the internal current driver. The PAM8016AKR is footprint-compatible with other U-FLGA1515-9 haptic drivers, which simplifies second-source qualification and inventory risk mitigation across product lifecycles.
Drop-in alternatives for PAM8016AKR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PAM8016
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DRV2605LDGSR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DRV2604YZFR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PAM8016AKR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Haptic Driver IC (ERM and LRA) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Load Voltage | 2.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Output Stage Technology | NMOS and PMOS (H-bridge) |
| Supported Actuators | ERM (Eccentric Rotating Mass) and LRA (Linear Resonance Actuator) |
| Input Interface | Differential, Single-Ended, or PWM |
| Package | U-FLGA1515-9 (9-ball, 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial portable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Reel Quantity | 3000 (per supplier reel) |
| Auto-Resonance Tracking | Yes (for LRA mode) |
| Braking | Automatic brake for ERM actuators |
| Differential PWM Input | Supported |
PAM8016AKR Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin A2 | OUT+ — H-bridge positive output to actuator |
| Pin A3 | OUT- — H-bridge negative output to actuator |
| Pin B1 | EN — Enable input (active-high) |
| Pin B2 | IN+ — Differential/PWM positive input |
| Pin B3 | IN- — Differential negative input / GND for single-ended |
| Pin C1 | VDD — Supply voltage 2.8V to 5.5V |
| Pin C2 | MODE — Operating mode select (ERM/LRA) |
| Pin C3 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PAM8016AKR is suitable for 6 applications: Smartphone Haptic Feedback, Wearable Tactile Feedback, Gaming Controller Rumble, Industrial HMI Touch Replacement, Medical Device Alert Notification, IoT Smart Home Notification.
Smartphone Haptic Feedback
The PAM8016AKR drives LRA actuators used for crisp tactile clicks in modern smartphone displays, side keys, and home-button replacements. Its 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm U-FLGA1515-9 footprint fits the dense PCB layouts of premium phones, while the 2.8V to 5.5V supply range aligns directly with single-cell Li-ion battery voltage without requiring a boost converter. Auto-resonance tracking locks the drive frequency to the actuator mechanical peak, delivering consistent vibration force across temperature and unit-to-unit variation; this matches the haptic quality expectations of flagship handheld devices.
Recommended
Wearable Tactile Feedback
Wearables such as smartwatches, fitness bands, and notification rings benefit from the PAM8016AKR's combination of low quiescent current and sub-2 mm footprint. The IC drives both ERM and LRA actuators, allowing designers to select the haptic element based on vibration feel versus cost targets. Its 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm U-FLGA package occupies minimal PCB area inside small enclosures, while the 2.8V to 5.5V supply matches coin-cell and Li-ion battery chemistries commonly used in wearables, preserving battery life.
Recommended
Gaming Controller Rumble
Game controllers rely on dual ERM actuators for variable-intensity rumble effects that respond to in-game physics events. The PAM8016AKR drives two ERM motors with its integrated H-bridge, accepting PWM input from the host microcontroller for amplitude control. According to Diodes, the IC provides automatic braking to stop vibration cleanly when the host commands a stop, preventing the lag typical of ERM controllers. The 2.8V to 5.5V range suits battery-powered handheld consoles, and the small footprint keeps PCB cost low for high-volume gaming peripherals.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Touch Replacement
Industrial human-machine interfaces increasingly replace mechanical buttons with haptic-driven touch surfaces for sealed, ruggedized operation. The PAM8016AKR provides strong LRA drive strength to overcome glove-worn touch operation, while its industrial operating temperature range of -40 C to +85 C survives factory environments. The 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm footprint fits behind the touch sensor layer, and the 2.8V to 5.5V supply operates from 24V industrial rails stepped down via common DC-DC converters, simplifying panel-level design.
Recommended
Medical Device Alert Notification
Portable medical devices such as insulin pumps, glucose monitors, and patient wearables use haptic feedback as a silent alert mechanism that does not disturb clinical environments. The PAM8016AKR drives LRA and ERM actuators used in these devices, providing crisp notification pulses distinguishable by the user without audible alarms. The 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm package fits compact medical enclosures, and the 2.8V to 5.5V supply range aligns with standard medical-grade Li-ion battery packs. The IC's reliable automatic braking protects the actuator from over-stress during repeated alert patterns.
Recommended
IoT Smart Home Notification
Smart home devices such as doorbells, thermostats, and voice-assistant docks use haptic actuators to deliver silent status notifications when audible tones would be intrusive. The PAM8016AKR drives small LRA and ERM elements inside these wall-mounted or desktop devices, with the 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm footprint fitting slim enclosures. The 2.8V to 5.5V supply accepts USB or battery power typical of IoT hubs, while the flexible PWM/differential/single-ended inputs allow direct connection to common wireless SoC GPIO pins without extra glue logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PAM8016AKR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PAM8016 | DRV2605LDGSR | DRV2604YZFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | U-FLGA1515-9 (1.5x1.5 mm) | U-FLGA1515-9 (same) | U-FLGA1515-9 (same class) | U-FLGA1515-9 (same class) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.8V to 5.5V | 2.8V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Actuator Support | ERM and LRA | ERM and LRA | ERM and LRA | ERM and LRA |
| Control Interface | PWM/Diff/SE | PWM/Diff/SE | I2C | I2C |
| Auto-Resonance Tracking | Yes (LRA) | Yes (LRA) | Yes (LRA) | Yes (LRA) |
| Brand | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Auto Braking | Yes (ERM) | Yes (ERM) | Yes (ERM) | Yes (ERM) |
| Waveform Library | No | No | Yes (123 effects) | No |
Key Differentiators
- U-FLGA1515-9 footprint - one of the smallest haptic driver packages (vs DRV2605LDGSR)
- PWM/differential/single-ended flexible input - no firmware overhead (vs DRV2605LDGSR)
- Wide supply voltage range matches Li-ion batteries directly (vs DRV2604YZFR)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place the input bypass capacitor as close to the VDD pin as possible, ideally within 1 mm trace distance, to suppress switching transients from the H-bridge. The 9-ball U-FLGA1515-9 footprint does not include an exposed pad; all thermal dissipation occurs through the supply and ground balls. For continuous ERM drive at high PWM duty, add at least 0.1 uF X7R ceramic in parallel with a 1 uF X5R ceramic on VDD to prevent supply droop and audible buzz.
Estimated: Do not drive the PAM8016AKR with input signals that exceed VDD or fall below GND; the IN+ and IN- pins are not fail-safe beyond the supply rails. When using single-ended mode, tie IN- to GND with a short trace to ensure clean PWM reference. For LRA mode, allow the auto-resonance tracking algorithm one full startup cycle to converge before judging vibration strength; the first cycle intentionally drives a sweep to find the resonant peak.
Estimated: Keep the OUT+ and OUT- traces short and matched in length to maintain symmetric drive strength for LRA actuators. Differential pair routing on the order of 0.5 mm or wider will minimize radiated EMI from the H-bridge switching transitions. Place a 1 nF Y-rated or X7R capacitor across the actuator terminals to suppress high-frequency ringing that can cause EMC compliance failures in consumer wireless products.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Diodes Incorporated product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer/industrial haptic driver, not automotive qualified). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the provided data; confirmed [DATA_NEEDED: halogen-free status].
